The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) plans to establish regional conservation centers across Uganda to ease congestion at Entebbe Zoo and promote tourism.
This initiative follows the merger of UWA with the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), now part of Entebbe Zoo, streamlining conservation education and wildlife management. Dr. James Musinguzi, UWA Executive Director, explains that relocating overpopulated animal species from Entebbe to these satellite zoos will free up space at the main center, currently constrained by the number of exhibits.
Construction of the Mbale zoo is underway, with animals expected there by July. Each center, costing around 25 billion shillings and utilizing local forest reserves, will serve as wildlife attractions and education hubs, promoting conservation and regional tourism. Land has been secured in Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, and Kyenjojo for these projects.